Scuba diving is a sport that dates back hundreds of years ago. Since its humble beginnings, there have been incredible advancements in diving techniques and technologies.
Long before smartphones and computers, divers needed a reliable watch to wear to time how long they were underwater, calculate decompression stops, and help keep track of the amount of oxygen left in their tank. Due to these life-saving necessities, dive watches were invented.
If you’re interested in purchasing a dive watch, it’s essential to understand what they are and what makes them unique. Please keep reading for everything you need to know about these stylish, timeless, and unique watches.
What Are Dive Watches?
A dive watch is a specific tool that must meet the requirements set out by ISO standard 6425. This standard states that a watch must meet a set of criteria to ensure that it can be used reliably underwater.
While initially developed as a tool and life-saving device, dive watches have also become popular as stylish and durable fashion accessories.
Characteristics of a Dive Watch
While many brands claim themselves as being dive watches, there are specific criteria and characteristics to look for to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Check for these standards when looking for a genuine dive watch:
Water-Resistant
Unlike your typical waterproof watches, a dive watch must be resistant to at least 100 meters. With this being the minimum requirement, most dive watches can handle depths of 200 meters or more.
Legibility
Dive watches need to be legible from a distance of at least 25cm. They also must have clear distinctions between the hour and minute hands, and have some indication that the watch is running. A dive watch must also have an illuminated digital display, enabling it to show the time in low or no-light conditions.
Rotating Bezel
Dive watches must come equipped with a rotating bezel that lets the diver know how long they have been underwater. The bezel must have a scale showing sixty minutes with clear markings for every five minutes.
Like with H2 Hub Watches, the bezel must be easy to rotate, but not too loose that it can be moved by mistake.
Toughness
Toughness is a critical factor when testing a dive watch.
Two separate shocks from a hard plastic hammer are imposed on the crystal perpendicular to the watch’s face and the nine o’clock side. After being hit by the hammer, it passes the test as long as the watch doesn’t gain or lose more than sixty seconds per day.
Durable Strap
The majority of dive watches have rubber or stainless steel straps. These straps are the most adaptable to saltwater and can withstand humidity, pressure, and direct sunlight.
Helium Escape Valve
While not all classic watches have a helium escape valve, most dive watches come equipped with this feature. The valve allows professional divers underwater for prolonged periods to protect their watch during resurfacing by releasing trapped helium.
The Best Watches To Last a Lifetime
While dive watches were initially developed to protect the wearer while scuba diving, they are now considered a durable, attractive, and timeless accessory.
Shop around and find a dive watch that meets your needs and matches your style. If you’re looking for a watch to save your life that lasts a lifetime, look no further.
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